Place: Ratings & Reviews

Reviews by EagleTalon:

4/5rDev n/a

Like most LHBS's, Fermentables is a small, family business. Good selection, easygoing atmosphere, very helpful. The prices are not the cheapest but you know who you're buying from and what you are getting, unlike the mail-order route. This shop is committed to furthering the art of beer and wine in central Arkansas by promoting and sponsoring the local club and beer events. Here' wishing them much continued success.

More User Reviews:

OK, so I evidently have to be the bad guy here. I really appreciate what these guys are trying to do, establishing a homebrew culture in central Arkansas. However, this establishment would do better with someone with an eye for business in charge. Their primary problem has to do with inventory management. There is NEVER equipment in stock. Some of this I understand has to do with the fact that they don't buy in bulk. This is reasonable, given that the culture has not caught on here to the extent that they can order things in large quantities. But, when you're dealing with smaller amounts, you need to be able to micro-manage your inventory properly. Their system for inventory usually involves shouting at the other one until they get an answer. Even then, it's inconclusive. I've been in several times where I pointed out something (usually key) they are missing like hydrometers or different yeast varieties and they're not sure if they've ordered replacements or when the new inventory will be in, if they have ordered it. Additionally, I have, on numerous occasions, asked them to call me when they get a certain item in and I have yet to receive a phone call. I've left phone messages requesting similar, to the same effect.

Don't get me wrong. These guys are very knowledgeable about brewing, it's just their methods of running a store that need to change. I will continue to support this location because I want it to succeed, but they have really got to get it together.

I found this place a few weeks ago. They really helped me out alot. I'm new to homebrewing and these guys really helped out alot. I will definetly frequent this place often. I am brewing a batch of imperial stout and my buddy is brewing a Porter. we are both excited to brew our first bacth. They gave us alot of pointers to not mess up or get to carried away with our first batch. They have an extensive amout of inventory and are very helpful. Definetly easy access from the freeway wich makes it easy to stop in on the way to Little Rock. The only draw back is thier closed on Sundays and Mondays.

I stopped by this place on a recent weekend trip to Hot Springs. I went with the intentions of only buying a few bottles since shipping from Homebrewing businesses is usually pretty high.

When I walked in I was greeted by a gentleman on the phone behind the counter who was apparently helping a customer with a phone order. He seemed to be very knowledgeable and made several recommendations to the customer in regards to what kind of hops go best in waht ratio to the type of beer the customer was planning to brew.

The clerk ended his phone conversation and immediately began asking me questions about what I was looking for, how long I had been brewing, etc. He did this in a manner that seemed genuine and sincere.

To make a long story short, the staff here was so helpful I ended up buying 2 carboys, 6 cases of bottles and several other things that I probably didn't even need at the time. I can't say enough good things about my experience.

If you're a homebrewer and you're in Little Rock, make it a point to stop by and visit Fermentables. Even if you don't buy anything you will be glad you stopped by.

The service at Fermentables is what keeps me going back. Mike and Robbie are stand-up guys. They always help me with grain and hop bills, and also help me with any problems I might have.

Fermentables offers a fairly good selection of kits, most of which seem to be collecting dust. Big sellers seem to be malt extracts and specialty grains. The grain I got here was well milled and made good beer. They were out of the liquid yeast I wanted once, but were happy to suggest a suitable dry replacement.
They also have wine supplies, as well as limited cheesemaking and distilling supplies.

While the prices aren't the best for some things, this store is worth it due to the advice and friendliness of its employees. Highly recommended.